Half & Full Day Bass and Trout Trips in Erie
Private Trip
River Fishing
Halfday or fullday guided steelhead and bass fishing trips availableAll gear, flies, lunch, and fishing license included in packageExpert guidance along Pennsylvania's renowned Steelhead Alley waters
Welcome to Pennsylvania's legendary Steelhead Alley, where chrome-bright steelhead and feisty smallmouth bass make every cast count. I've been guiding these waters for years, and let me tell you – Erie's tributaries offer some of the most consistent action you'll find anywhere in the Great Lakes region. Whether you've got four hours to burn or want to make a full day of it, we'll put you on fish that'll have you talking about this trip for seasons to come. Starting at first light (7 AM sharp), you'll experience wade fishing at its finest with all the gear, guidance, and local knowledge you need to make it happen.
Your day starts early because that's when the fish are most active – especially those fresh-run steelhead that have been moving upstream overnight. We'll meet at the launch point where I'll get you rigged up with the right flies and tackle for the day's conditions. The beauty of wade fishing here is you're right in the action, feeling every bump, nick, and tap on your line. We're targeting prime pools, deep runs, and undercut banks where these fish love to stage. The half-day trip gives you a solid four hours to dial in your technique and land some quality fish, while the full-day option lets us explore multiple spots and really fine-tune your approach. Lunch is on me during the full-day trips – nothing fancy, just good fuel to keep you going strong through the afternoon bite. Water levels and clarity change daily here, so I'm constantly reading conditions to put us in the best spots. You'll learn to read water like a local guide, spotting structure and current breaks that hold fish.
We're primarily fly fishing these waters, using everything from egg patterns and nymphs to streamers depending on what the fish are telling us. I'll have you set up with the right rod weight – usually 7 or 8 weight for steelhead, something lighter for bass work. The technique here is all about dead-drifting presentations through the strike zone, mending line to get that perfect natural drift. Waders are available if you need them, though I recommend bringing your own if you have a pair that fits well. Water temperatures can be chilly, especially in spring and fall when the steelhead runs are strongest. I'll teach you proper wading techniques for these rocky-bottomed streams – it's all about taking your time and feeling each step. Indicator fishing is huge here, watching that bobber for the slightest hesitation that signals a fish has picked up your fly. We'll also work on some swinging techniques for aggressive fish, letting streamers dance through the current. No license needed since I've got that covered, so you can focus entirely on fishing instead of paperwork.
Steelhead trout are the crown jewel of Pennsylvania's waters, and for good reason. These lake-run rainbows average 5-8 pounds but can push well into double digits when conditions align. Peak season runs from October through April, with fresh chrome fish entering the system after every significant rainfall. What makes steelhead so special is their power – they'll strip line off your reel faster than you can blink, jumping clear out of the water in spectacular displays. The fight can last 10-15 minutes with a quality fish, testing every knot and connection in your setup. These fish are incredibly smart too, often refusing flies that worked just hours earlier. That's where local knowledge pays off – I know which patterns produce in different water conditions and temperatures. Spring fish tend to be more aggressive as they prepare for spawning, while fall runners are often silver-bright and full of fight from feeding heavily in the lake.
Smallmouth bass bring a completely different energy to these waters, typically running 2-4 pounds with occasional monsters pushing 5 pounds or better. They're most active during warmer months, from late spring through early fall, when water temperatures climb into their comfort zone. Smallmouth are ambush predators, hiding behind boulders and structure waiting for crayfish, minnows, or insects to drift by. They hit hard and fight dirty – jumping, head-shaking, and making bulldogging runs toward cover. What I love about targeting smallmouth here is their willingness to eat a variety of presentations. Woolly buggers, crayfish patterns, and even small poppers can trigger explosive strikes. They're also excellent table fare if you decide to keep a few within regulations. The key to consistent smallmouth success is varying your retrieve speed and targeting different depths until you find their mood for the day.
At $400 for half-day trips and $475 for full-day adventures, you're getting world-class guided fishing that includes everything except the tip. I keep groups small – just two anglers max – so you'll get personal attention and plenty of water to work. The lunch provided on full-day trips keeps your energy up for those afternoon sessions when fish often get active again. Weather can change quickly here along Lake Erie, so I'm always monitoring conditions to ensure we're fishing safely and effectively. Spring and fall book up fast due to prime steelhead timing, so don't wait if you're thinking about a particular date. Summer offers great smallmouth action with more comfortable conditions for newer anglers. I've been fishing these waters long enough to know where fish hold during different seasons, water levels, and weather patterns. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to dial in your steelhead technique or someone new to fly fishing wanting to learn from a pro, this trip delivers the kind of action that keeps people coming back year after year. Give me a call and let's get you set up for a day on Pennsylvania's premier fishing waters.
Micropterus DolomieuSmallmouth bass are scrappy fighters that'll test your skills on light tackle. These bronze-backed beauties average 12-16 inches around here, with bigger ones pushing 3-4 pounds. Look for them around rocky structure, drop-offs, and current breaks in 8-15 feet of water. Spring and fall are prime time when they move shallow to feed aggressively. Summer finds them deeper in cooler water. What makes smallies special is their fight - pound for pound, they're some of the strongest freshwater fish you'll hook. They jump, run, and never give up easy. Great eating too, with firm white meat. My local tip: when the water's clear like ours often is, downsize your line to 6-8 pound test and use natural colors. These fish are smart and spook easily in shallow water.
Oncorhynchus mykissSteelhead are the crown jewel of Great Lakes fishing - chrome-bright fish that average 6-10 pounds but can push 15+ in these waters. They're lake-run rainbows that behave like ocean fish, making powerful runs and aerial displays that'll get your heart racing. You'll find them in deeper pools, behind structure, and near current seams in our tributary streams. Best fishing runs from late fall through early spring when they're moving up to spawn. What sets steelhead apart is their raw power and unpredictability - they can strip line like nothing else in freshwater. The meat is pink and rich, absolutely delicious. Here's a local secret: in our gin-clear winter water, use smaller flies and longer leaders than you think you need. These fish see everything.
Lake Erie